The transport sector is continuously changing, with a sectoral plan for staff training through 2035 already approved. The initiative outlines the launch of at least 50 new training courses aimed at elevating skills across the industry.
Goods delivery is increasingly automated, control systems are becoming unmanned, and the shift toward greener energy sources is underway. All of these advances require skilled personnel and professionals who can adapt to new roles. As technologies evolve, so too do the jobs in transport, becoming more innovative and multifunctional. What roles will transport workers be taking on in the near future? Here are four of the most compelling professions driving the industry forward in North America and beyond.
Architect of intelligent control systems
Unmanned vehicles are firmly part of today, not just the distant horizon. Global leaders are actively advancing in this space, with major tech and automotive players developing practical driverless solutions. Investments in autonomous transportation infrastructure are substantial, reflecting the need to create robust software for unmanned vehicles and traffic management systems. As these systems edge toward autonomous operation, skilled specialists to design, program, and oversee them are in high demand.
Smart road builder
Across North America and elsewhere, intelligent transport systems (ITS) are expanding. These ecosystems combine cutting-edge information, communication, and telematics technologies with advanced traffic management. Examples include sensor networks that monitor urban mobility and tolling solutions that streamline highway usage. ITS aims to optimize traffic flow and reduce congestion.
Traffic bottlenecks remain a challenge for many drivers. A portion of motorists experience significant delays yearly, with some spending extended periods in congestion. Implementing ITS involves two main phases: building a digital infrastructure and collecting and analyzing traffic data. High-precision cameras, radars, and lidar devices are deployed to form a comprehensive picture of city traffic, enabling real-time optimization and smoother commutes.
Initially concentrated in major urban cores, ITS deployment is now spreading across regions, enabling real-time control of traffic, the creation of coordinated green light waves, and faster commutes to workplaces and homes. This creates demand for smart road builders who can design, install, and maintain this safety‑critical infrastructure, while continuously updating their knowledge to keep pace with innovation.
Designer of high-speed trains
The role focuses on laying out tracks, stations, and interchanges for high-speed rail networks, taking climatic and geographical nuances into account. North American and European projects alike are exploring rapid transit options to connect cities efficiently. The construction of high-speed railway corridors is part of broader modernization and expansion plans, with targets that emphasize speeds capable of transforming regional travel patterns.
High-speed rail development not only reshapes passenger movement but also impacts freight corridors and regional economies. Proponents anticipate substantial reductions in travel times and shifts in transportation modes, reinforcing the need for engineers who can design resilient rails, stations, and interchanges capable of sustaining high-speed service across varying conditions.
Ensuring road safety
Safety remains a central objective for the transport sector. Modern traffic enforcement and monitoring technologies help reduce risky behaviors and improve compliance. Cameras and automated systems now detect a broad range of violations, from seat-belt neglect to improper pedestrian crossings, often tracking multiple lanes simultaneously to ensure accurate enforcement. These capabilities demand qualified professionals who can install, operate, and maintain the systems with precision.
Leaders in traffic safety emphasize that continuous monitoring and data analysis are essential to maintaining high safety standards. Operators oversee the uninterrupted performance of photo and video recording networks, which have proven to be powerful tools in reducing accidents and saving lives. Recent regional data illustrate notable improvements in safety metrics as these systems scale up across more roads and municipalities.
In summary, the near future places unmanned vehicles on public roads while sophisticated traffic management helps guide flows more intelligently. Realizing this vision depends on skilled specialists who can ensure the reliable operation of the transport framework and keep safety at the forefront.